Kathleen H. Cornwall
June 21, 1923 – August 19, 2019
Kathleen (Kay) Helen Cornwall, age 96 of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2019 at Lund Home – Hospice of the Valley in Gilbert, AZ. Kay was born June 21, 1923 to Lawrence and Helen (Manville) Milfred in Cazenovia, Wisconsin.
Kay was a registered nurse receiving her degree in 1944 from St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Madison, Wisconsin.
She was united in marriage to Ernest Cornwall on March 14, 1945. Kay and Ernie had 66 loving years together and raised four children. She is survived by her children; Jeanne (Burton) Knox, Michael Cornwall, Susan Cornwall and Jill (Charles) Helms, siblings; Peter Milfred, Patricia Smith and Bonnie Pickett, her grandchildren; Amy, Brad, Michael, Diane, Adam and Eric, and great-grandchildren; Mario, Austin, April, Emily, Hudson and Tucker. Kay also had many godchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ernie and brother Clarence.
Kay loved and enjoyed her family and their many get-togethers. She devoted much of her time to caring for and supporting her autistic daughter Susan. She volunteered 12 years as Treasurer for the newly formed Greater Phoenix Autistic Society. Because of her passion for protecting the rights of people with developmental disabilities, Kay volunteered on the Phoenix Human Rights Committee for many years. She was recognized for her volunteerism by Arizona Governor Rose Mofford, Scottsdale Mayor Herb Drinkwater and the Arizona Director of Department of Developmental Disabilities.
Kay was an avid traveler, visiting Germany, Ireland, England, Italy, Mexico, Scandinavia and Japan and much of the U.S. She especially loved experiencing new cultures and foods. She enjoyed nature and was an excellent seamstress and a very good cook.
A lifelong Catholic, Kay was a member of Queen of Peace Parish in Mesa and had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Lynel Kennedy
Aunt Kay will always have a special place in my heart. She was a gracious hostess who opened her home to family and friends and was welcoming and warm. The summer after high school graduation was the best ever!! Thanks Aunt Kay.
Christine Cornwall Voss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Kay was a wonderful person. I pray God’s presence and comfort be upon you as you grieve her loss.
Janis Schnerch
I was so blessed to have known Kay. Well double blessed as her daughter Jill became my best friend upon our move to Arizona. Kay was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was very interesting. She always offered something quite interesting to the conversation. It was fun to hear of her travels. She seemed fearless in jumping out into the world and enjoying new cultures and foods. She was one of my idols. She taught me to champion those struggling with disabilities. She taught me to live life no matter how old . She taught me to wear bright colors as it detracts from an aged face. She taught me to always strive to look your best. She taught me that you’ll be surprised when you pass a mirror and that image is so much older than you think you are. Some of these words of wisdom were funny but oh so true and helpful in our aging. I always enjoyed my visits with Kay. I’ll miss her. Enjoy Heaven dear Kay!